How To Tell If Your Child Is Drinking Alcohol
According to underage drinking statistics reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 30% of high schoolers consumed alcohol in the past month. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has also reported that approximately one-third of teenagers have consumed one or more alcoholic drinks by the time they turn 15. It’s a good idea for you and your child to come up with strategies to help them avoid underage drinking and other substance misuse. But even with a plan, young people can find it difficult to make safe decisions in the moment. However, when you lose control of your drinking, compulsively consume alcohol despite negative consequences, and/or experience cravings when not drinking, you may have developed an addiction to alcohol.
Dangers of Teen Drinking
That standard is designed to prevent skeletal fluorosis, a potentially crippling disorder which causes weaker bones, stiffness and pain. Fluoride can come from a number of sources, but drinking water is the main source for Americans, researchers say. Nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population currently gets fluoridated drinking water, according to CDC data.
Teen Alcohol Abuse
- If you think that a teen you love may be struggling with alcohol addiction, professional support is usually the best option.
- Some young people can quit drinking without any help from a doctor or other adult.
- However, when you lose control of your drinking, compulsively consume alcohol despite negative consequences, and/or experience cravings when not drinking, you may have developed an addiction to alcohol.
- It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
Before talking with your child, make sure you have the facts straight. The National Institute on Drug Abuse’s (NIDA) Parents & Educators teenage alcoholism webpage is a great place to start. Its expert-reviewed information covers substance use and related topics in English and Spanish.
signs your teen is struggling with substance abuse
Teens who drink are at risk of a number of negative outcomes, ranging from brain damage to death. In addition, some adolescents resort to stealing alcohol, either from parents or from stores. Some adolescents also go to local stores that will sell to underage customers or befriend store clerks to convince them to sell to teens.
Signs of Teen Alcohol Abuse
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- Teens who drink may also get in trouble at school or appear tired and sluggish.
- Windle, Michael, et al. “Transitions into underage and problem[…] and 15 years of age.” Pediatrics, April 2008.
- Another common reason for substance abuse among teens is peer pressure.
- Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate fluoride in drinking water because high levels could pose a risk to the intellectual development of children.
Have a “code word” for risky situations.
- Take action against excessive underage drinking by having frank discussions with the teens in your life about the dangers of alcohol use and the prevalence of addiction.
- A substance abuse professional can perform an assessment and determine the extent of the problem and what type of treatment is necessary.
- Fluoride can come from a number of sources, but drinking water is the main source for Americans, researchers say.
- Furthermore, those who drink underage consume larger quantities of alcohol in one sitting when compared to adults.
If you’re not sure about the questions to ask or ways to help your child resist peer pressure, there are experts who can help you. According to one study, teens may access alcohol when parents provide it on vacation or special occasions. It is also common for teens to have a friend or sibling of legal drinking age purchase alcohol for them.
How To Tell If Your Child Is Drinking Alcohol
Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate fluoride in drinking water because high levels could pose a risk to the intellectual development of children. When it comes to talking about substance use, having multiple little talks can be more effective than one “big talk.” Talking frequently builds trust with teens. They are less likely to misuse alcohol or drugs when they have strong, trusting relationships with their parents and guardians. You can have these talks anytime—on the way to the store, at dinner, or after sports practice. The Teen Recovery Program addresses both mental health and substance abuse issues in an intensive outpatient level of care setting specifically designed for teens.
How to prevent teen drug and alcohol abuse
Do not feel bad if you did not see the warning signs until your child was in trouble or until someone told you about the problem. When most parents find out about their child’s underage drinking, they feel shocked and stunned and wonder where they went wrong. If your teen is displaying one or more of these symptoms, he or she may have an alcohol use disorder that requires teen alcohol rehab. A substance abuse professional can perform an assessment and determine the extent of the problem and what type of treatment is necessary. Youth who drink before the age of 15 are at risk of significant consequences, according to experts. The research shows that young adolescents who consume alcohol are more likely to demonstrate suicidal behaviors; they are also more likely to have sex and to engage in risky sexual acts, such as having multiple partners.